Page 99 of Arcane Entanglement

Rufus’s face grew pinched at their flirting. “We should board soon. The train leaves in ten minutes.”

Viggo couldn’t help but notice the uneasy glances his presence earned as they made their way down the platform. Charing Cross was a hub of activity, with mostly magical folks hurrying to and fro. Yet, the crowd seemed to part instinctively around him, as if he carried a contagious disease. He caught snatches of whispered conversations.

“Is that…?!”

“My God, it’s the Ironfist Brute, I’m sure of it!”

“What’s he doinghere?!”

Viggo set his jaw, determined to ignore the stares and murmurs.

He realised Evander was glaring at the people ogling him. That fact alone loosened his shoulders and had him keeping his chin up.

Viggo had to duck to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe when they boarded their carriage. The interior was plush, all polished wood and velvet upholstery, and more luxury than a thrall could ever afford in their lifetime.

It was a far cry from the cabins where commoners travelled.

“Hertfordshire isn’t far,” Evander said as they settled into their seats. “We’ll be there before you know it.”

Viggo couldn’t help but stiffen when the station master blew his enchanted whistle. The train lurched into motion.

Evander gave him an encouraging look from across the way.

The mage had elected to sit beside Rufus.

Viggo wasn’t sure if it was because he was choosing to maintain a professional distance or he’d sensed the Brute’s hidden intent to jump him.

The journey passed in a blur of green fields and small villages, the landscape rushing by at a speed that amazed and troubled Viggo in equal measure. He couldn’t help but drum a nervous rhythm on his knee as the train carried them to their destination.

He’d faced down mages and fought battles that would make most men quake with fear, but something about hurtling through the countryside in a metal box made his skin crawl.

Soon, they were pulling into Harpenden station.

A man was waiting for them on the platform, his nondescript clothing belying the alertness in his gaze. He strolled up to them as they got off their carriage.

“All clear, boss,” he told Viggo in a low voice. “There’ve been no signs of mages around these parts since yesterday.”

“Good work.” Viggo introduced the man to Evander and Rufus. “This is Hawk, one ofNightshade's undercover agents. He’s been keeping an eye on things.”

Hawk dipped his flat cap at the two Met officers and escorted them out of the station.

Chapter40

Viggo couldn’t helpbut notice the changes that had come with the arrival of the railway as they made their way through the sun-lit village. What had once been a quiet farming community was now a bustling parish, with new shops and houses springing up alongside traditional cottages.

A horse-drawn cart driven by a weathered old farmer waited for them at the edge of the settlement.

“I’m afraid this is our ride for the next leg of our journey,” Hawk said, a hint of apology in his voice. “It’s less conspicuous than a carriage.”

Evander eyed the cart dubiously, his nose wrinkling a little at the distinct aroma of manure that clung to the wooden slats. Rufus looked no more enthused, his aloof composure slipping as he climbed gingerly aboard.

Viggo felt a grin tugging at his lips as he and Hawk settled on the rough bench behind the driver.

“What’s the matter?” the Brute asked innocently. “Don’t tell me you prefer that fancy steam contraption to good old-fashioned horsepower?”

Evander shot him a narrow-eyed look.

“I think I liked you better when you were nervous about the train.”